Brad Holmes Defends Bold Draft Move, Calls Isaac TeSlaa His Favorite Receiver
The Detroit Lions raised eyebrows during the 2025 NFL Draft by making a surprising third-round move. General manager Brad Holmes orchestrated a bold trade, moving up 32 spots from No. 102 to No. 70 to select Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. To make the jump, Detroit gave up its 2025 third-round pick along with two third-rounders from 2026. In return, the Lions received TeSlaa and a pair of sixth-round selections in the next two drafts.
The trade sparked debate, with critics questioning the high price paid for a relatively unknown prospect. Many analysts felt the Lions overreached and gave the selection a modest C+ grade. However, Holmes has firmly stood by his decision.
When recently asked about his favorite pick in the 2025 draft class, Holmes used the moment to double down on the controversial move. “I really like all the players we picked,” Holmes said, according to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra. “But if I had to choose one, it would be Isaac TeSlaa. He might not have been the best receiver in the draft, but he was my favorite.”
TeSlaa, who transferred from Division II Hillsdale College to Arkansas, didn’t post eye-popping numbers in college—just 62 receptions for 897 yards and five touchdowns over two seasons. Despite the modest production, his physical traits are elite. At 6’4” and 214 pounds, TeSlaa ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and posted the highest athleticism score among wideouts at the NFL Combine.
The Lions have prioritized game film and football instincts over pure measurables under Holmes’ leadership, but in TeSlaa, they seem to believe they’ve found a rare mix of both.
Holmes’ confidence stems from his track record. Since becoming GM in 2021, he and head coach Dan Campbell have reshaped the franchise. The Lions went from a 3-13-1 team in 2021 to tying for the NFL’s best record at 15-2 in 2024. While the playoff run didn’t meet expectations, the team’s overall progress under Holmes has been impressive.
Only time will tell whether trading multiple third-round picks for TeSlaa was worth it. But if Holmes’ track record is any indication, Detroit fans may come to view this bold gamble as another smart move in the team’s remarkable turnaround.
